Extendable and retractable payment terminal holder

ABSTRACT

A payment terminal holder is provided. A payment terminal holder for providing point of sale at a distance, comprising a baseplate supporting a track. A track plate coupled to the track such that the track plate is mobile between a first end of the track and a second end of the track. A payment terminal plate affixed to a front end of the track plate for facilitating a financial transaction. A handle affixed to a back end of the track plate and a mounting bracket affixed to a bottom of the baseplate.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a payment terminal holder more specifically, but not by way of limitation, more particularly to an extendable and retractable payment terminal holder which facilitates the point of sale at a distance.

BACKGROUND

The sudden outbreak of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has significantly affected the point of sale landscape for stores and restaurants. Accommodations such as an increase in physical barriers between the cashier and customer, such as a plexiglass shield, an increase in the use of hand sanitizer between the cashier and customer, the restriction for some restaurants to operate solely via their drive-thru, and many others precautionary measures have been implemented in order to meet social distancing requirements. These social distancing requirements have been put in place to minimize viral transmission and are required for lawful operation in some jurisdictions and most importantly, for the safety of the cashiers and customers.

Typical protocol for drive-thru setups involve handing over a payment terminal with its associated data and power cables to the customer and returning it back to the cashier once payment is complete. Although the window or the use of additional plexiglass shield reduces potential for viral transmission, a large number of transactions remains in put the customers and cashier at risk. Additionally, the height difference between cars and the drive-thru window can cause this handoff to become strenuous to the customer and especially for the cashier.

EP Pub. No. 3,503,340 A1 (Burmester) discloses a cover for a payment terminal with a holder for the cover. Shortcomings include an inability for mobility of the payment terminal and for accepting cash payment.

U.S. Pat. No. D781,372 S (Floersch et al.) discloses a design for a payment terminal stand. Shortcomings include an inability for mobility of the payment terminal and for accepting cash payment.

U.S. Pat. No. RE34,872 E (Lucero) discloses a drive-through credit card payment device. Shortcomings include an inability for appropriate mobility of the payment terminal to reduce strain on customers in a vehicle and for accepting cash payment.

U.S. Pub. No. 2019/0034899 A1 (Speagle et al.) discloses a detachable card reader mounting system. Shortcomings include an inability for transferring the device between the customer and the cashier with appropriate social distancing, for appropriate mobility of the payment terminal to reduce strain on customers in a vehicle and for accepting cash payment.

U.S. Pub. No. 2007/0257109 A1 (Johansen, J R. et al.) discloses a payment system with outdoor terminal. Shortcomings include an inability for appropriate mobility of the payment terminal to reduce strain on customers in a vehicle and for accepting cash payment.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,489,050 B2 (Barakat) discloses a user interface with automatic movement to driver window. Shortcomings include an arduous and costly investment for the system, its installation and maintenance, potential issues for accepting cash payment and delivering the customer change, and its inability to accommodate existing point of sale setups.

All documents cited herein are incorporated by reference.

There is a need for a payment terminal holder that is extendable and retractable for facilitating the point of sale of digital and cash payments at a distance to minimize the risk of contact, allows for single-handed operation for the customer and for single-handed retraction for the cashier, allows for multiple mounting methods, accommodates wire management for data and power cables, and can be lowered while extended accommodate customers in a vehicle.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is the object of the present invention to provide a payment terminal holder. A payment terminal holder for providing point of sale at a distance, comprising a baseplate supporting a track. A track plate coupled to the track such that the track plate is mobile between a first end of the track and a second end of the track. A payment terminal plate affixed to a front end of the track plate for facilitating a financial transaction. A handle affixed to a back end of the track plate and a mounting bracket affixed to a bottom of the baseplate.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of deploying the payment terminal holder to a user to initiate payment comprising applying a force to the handle such that the track plate is moved from the back end of the track to the front end of the track.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of retracting the payment terminal holder from a user to complete a transaction comprising applying a force to the handle such that the track plate is moved from the first end of the track to the second end of the track.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the track is a groove within the baseplate.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the track is affixed to a top of the baseplate.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a cash compartment is affixed to the payment terminal plate.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the cash compartment is removable.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a cover is affixed to the cash compartment.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a payment terminal is fastened onto the payment terminal plate.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, one or more data or power cords from the payment terminal are housed within the track plate.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the payment terminal is an electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) terminal.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the payment terminal is a tablet.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the payment terminal is a mobile smart device.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the track plate may rotate about the track.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the payment terminal plate may rotate about the track plate.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the mounting bracket is affixed to a windowsill.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the mounting bracket is affixed to an outer wall.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the mounting bracket is affixed to an inner wall.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the mounting bracket is affixed to a counter.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the payment terminal plate is oriented at an angle of declination once the payment terminal holder is fully extended.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view 100 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view 200 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view 300 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view 400 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view 500 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 6A illustrates a retracted view 600 a in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 6B illustrates an extended view 600 b in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter of this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view 100 of a retracted payment terminal holder as in one embodiment. The payment terminal holder provides the point of sale at a distance for users involved in the transaction. The terminal holder comprises a baseplate 102 supporting a track 104, where the track 104 is shown affixed to a top of the baseplate 102 in this embodiment. A track plate 106 is coupled to the track 104 such that the track plate 106 is mobile between a first end 108 of the track 104 and a back end 110 of the track 104. In some embodiments, the track 104 is a groove within the baseplate 102 which may include one or more bearings for assembly and mobility of the track plate 106.

A payment terminal plate 112 is affixed to a front end of the track plate 106, not presently shown, for facilitating a financial transaction. A cash compartment 118 is shown affixed to the payment terminal plate 112 with a cover 120, which may be composed of an acrylic, affixed to the cash compartment 118. The cash compartment provides the customer flexibility in their payment method while adhering to social distancing protocol and the cover 120 acts to protect the cash from blowing away or being damaged by weather. In some embodiments, the cash compartment 118 is removable. In some embodiments, the payment terminal may be fastened onto the payment terminal plate 112. In the case of a wired payment terminal, one or more data and power cords from the payment terminal may be housed within the track plate 106. Examples of payment terminals include, but are not limited to, an electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) terminal, a tablet, or a mobile smart device.

A handle 114 is affixed to a second end 116 of the track plate 106 as shown. In some embodiments, the handle 114 is fixed in place. In other embodiments, the handle 114 is movable. A mounting bracket 122 is affixed to a bottom of the baseplate 102. The mounting bracket 122 allows for multiple mounting methods, such as but not limited to, affixing the mounting bracket 122 to a window, to an outer wall, to an inner wall or to a counter. In other embodiments, the mounting bracket 122 can be mounted such that the payment terminal can slide.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view 200 of an extended payment terminal holder as in one embodiment. The extendable and retractable functionality of the payment terminal holder may be utilized for facilitating the point of sale of digital and cash payments at a distance to minimize the risk of contact between users while allowing for single-handed operation for both users.

A method of deploying the payment terminal holder to a user to initiate payment comprises applying a force to the handle 114 such that the track plate 106 is moved from the back end 110 of the track 104 to the front end of the track 104, not presently shown. In some embodiments, the payment terminal plate 112 may be oriented at an angle of declination once the payment terminal holder is fully extended during deployment such as that shown in FIG. 2. This allows for tilting the payment terminal plate 112, reducing the strain on a customer employing the payment terminal holder within a vehicle. In other embodiments, the baseplate 102 relatively thin to accommodate acrylic or plexiglass distancing screens and windows. In some embodiment, the track plate 106 may rotate about the track 104. In some embodiments, the payment terminal plate 112 may rotate about the track plate 106.

A method of retracting the payment terminal holder from a user to complete a transaction comprises applying a force to the handle 114 such that the track plate 106 is moved from the first end 108 of the track 104, not presently shown, to the second end 116 of the track 104.

FIG. 3 depicts a top view 300 of a payment terminal holder as in one embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a front view 400 of a payment terminal holder as in one embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view 500 of a payment terminal holder as in one embodiment.

FIG. 6A depicts a retracted view 600 a of a payment terminal holder as in one embodiment. In this embodiment, the payment terminal holder is installed onto a windowsill 602 of a drive-thru. When the customer comes to the pay area, the cashier extends the payment terminal holder out towards the customer for completing the financial transaction via swiping/tapping of credit card and/or entry of PIN code, placing cash in tray or other methods commonly employed.

FIG. 6B depicts an extended view 600 b of a payment terminal holder as in one embodiment. The cashier can leave the holder extended while fulfilling any other tasks. The ease of deployment and retrieval, whether single-handed or two-handed, reduces repetitive strain injury with the cashier. Typically, the cashier may be repeatedly leaning and reaching to setup and complete the financial transaction with a plurality of customers throughout their shift. Once payment is complete, the cashier can retract the holder. For a cash payment for example, the cashier can return the holder to the client with the change in the tray. The payment terminal holder helps keep a distance between the cashier and customer and limits hand-to-hand interaction as demonstrated in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments described were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A payment terminal holder for providing point of sale at a distance, comprising: a baseplate supporting a track; a track plate coupled to said track such that said track plate is mobile between a first end of said track and a second end of said track; a payment terminal plate affixed to a front end of said track plate for facilitating a financial transaction; a handle affixed to a back end of said track plate; and a mounting bracket affixed to a bottom of said baseplate.
 2. The payment terminal holder of claim 1, wherein said track is a groove within said baseplate.
 3. The payment terminal holder of claim 1, wherein said track is affixed to a top of said baseplate.
 4. The payment terminal holder of claim 1, wherein a cash compartment is affixed to said payment terminal plate.
 5. The payment terminal holder of claim 4, wherein said cash compartment is removable.
 6. The payment terminal holder of claim 4, wherein a cover is affixed to said cash compartment.
 7. The payment terminal holder of claim 1, wherein a payment terminal is fastened onto said payment terminal plate.
 8. The payment terminal holder of claim 7, wherein one or more data or power cords from said payment terminal are housed within said track plate.
 9. The payment terminal holder of claim 1, wherein said payment terminal is an electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) terminal.
 10. The payment terminal holder of claim 1, wherein said payment terminal is a tablet.
 11. The payment terminal holder of claim 1, wherein said payment terminal is a mobile smart device.
 12. The payment terminal holder of claim 1, wherein said track plate may rotate about said track.
 13. The payment terminal holder of claim 1, wherein said payment terminal plate may rotate about the track plate.
 14. The payment terminal holder of claim 1, wherein said mounting bracket is affixed to a windowsill.
 15. The payment terminal holder of claim 1, wherein said mounting bracket is affixed to an outer wall.
 16. The payment terminal holder of claim 1, wherein said mounting bracket is affixed to an inner wall.
 17. The payment terminal holder of claim 1, herein said mounting bracket is affixed to a counter.
 18. A method of deploying said payment terminal holder to a user to initiate payment from claim 1, comprising: applying a force to said handle such that said track plate is moved from said back end of said track to said front end of said track.
 19. A method of deploying said payment terminal holder of claim 14, wherein said payment terminal plate is oriented at an angle of declination once the payment terminal holder is fully extended.
 20. A method of retracting said payment terminal holder from a user to complete a transaction of claim 1, comprising: applying a force to said handle such that said track plate is moved from said first end of said track to said second end of said track. 